NEW DELHI, Oct 6: In a shocking breach of decorum, a 71-year-old lawyer allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe towards Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during court proceedings on Monday.
“Don’t get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me,” the CJI, who remained unfazed during the incident, told lawyers and continued hearing the mentioning of cases.
According to lawyers, the incident occurred when a bench comprising the CJI and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing the mentioning of cases by lawyers.
The lawyer, who was later identified as Rakesh Kishor (71), approached the dais, removed his shoe and tried to throw it towards the judges.
Alert security personnel present inside the courtroom immediately intervened and prevented the attack. The lawyer was swiftly escorted out of the court premises.
As he was being taken away, the lawyer was heard shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge” (will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma).
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta described the act as “unfortunate and condemnable”, calling it a result of misinformation and an attempt at cheap publicity.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Rakesh Kishor with immediate effect after the incident.
In a letter issued to the advocate and Bar Council of Delhi, BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra said that Kishor’s conduct was inconsistent with its Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette and the dignity of the court.
During the period of suspension, Kishor is debarred from appearing, acting, pleading, or practising in any court, tribunal, or authority in India. (Agencies)
